Crises Test More Than Our Plans—They Test Our Leadership
In education, crises come in many forms—weather emergencies, health scares, student safety incidents, staffing shortages, or even budget cuts. When I transitioned from the world of entrepreneurship to school leadership, I quickly realized that many of the crisis management strategies I used as a business owner applied just as effectively in education. While schools and businesses serve very different missions, both rely on leadership, communication, and adaptability when challenges arise.
During my time as a school principal and superintendent, I’ve dealt with plenty of unexpected moments. Whether it was a power outage during state testing or navigating the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve learned that the way leaders respond during a crisis defines not only the outcome—but the culture they create.
Lesson 1: Prioritize Clear and Timely Communication
In business, one of the worst things you can do during a crisis is go silent. Customers lose trust, employees feel anxious, and misinformation fills the gaps. The same principle applies to schools.
When a situation unfolds—whether it’s a snow day decision or a safety concern—clear and timely communication with staff, families, and the community is critical. During my time as a principal, I made it a priority to over-communicate in moments of uncertainty. That meant quick updates to staff, direct messages to parents, and being transparent about what we knew, what we didn’t know, and what steps we were taking next.
This level of transparency builds credibility. In one instance, we had to evacuate our building for a gas leak. Because we had practiced emergency protocols and communicated with families within minutes, the community responded with trust rather than panic. Parents appreciated that they weren’t left guessing. That trust made a difficult situation much smoother for everyone involved.
Lesson 2: Build Systems Before the Crisis Hits
In business, smart leaders anticipate disruption and build systems that can absorb shock. This is just as important in education. The most successful crisis responses I’ve been a part of weren’t built on heroics—they were the result of careful planning and preparation.
That means holding regular safety drills, keeping emergency contact lists updated, and training staff to respond decisively under pressure. As an administrator, I’ve worked closely with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and local agencies to design response plans we could activate immediately when needed.
But systems go beyond safety protocols. During the early days of remote learning, the schools that had already invested in tech integration adapted far more easily. They weren’t scrambling to figure out platforms—they were building on a foundation already in place. That’s a powerful reminder that proactive leadership is often invisible… until the crisis comes.
Lesson 3: Stay People-Focused Under Pressure
When things go wrong, it’s easy to focus on logistics, deadlines, and damage control. But in both business and education, the most important asset is always people. Crises are stressful for everyone—students, staff, and families alike. As a leader, how you show up emotionally matters just as much as what you do operationally.
In one particularly tough stretch, we faced a staff shortage that strained morale. Rather than diving straight into scheduling logistics, I met with team members individually to hear their concerns. I made it a point to show appreciation, remain visible, and communicate that we were in it together. That human connection made a difference—not only in keeping the school running, but in keeping the team motivated.
From my business days, I learned that leadership in crisis is about presence, not perfection. People remember whether you showed up with compassion, listened well, and supported them through the uncertainty.
Lesson 4: Learn Fast and Adjust
Entrepreneurs know that flexibility is the name of the game during disruption. The same mindset applies in school leadership. Even with the best-laid plans, things don’t always go smoothly—and sometimes your first response won’t be your final one.
I’ve made peace with the idea that in some situations, we have to make the best decision with the information we have, then course-correct as more becomes clear. That could mean adjusting an early dismissal plan during severe weather or revising a COVID response plan based on new guidance. The key is to be honest with your team, own the need for change, and move forward together.
In business, we called it “failing forward.” In schools, I call it “leading through learning.”
Lesson 5: Reflect, Document, and Improve
After the immediate crisis passes, the work isn’t over. One of the most valuable practices I’ve brought from my entrepreneurial background is the post-crisis debrief. Just like a company reviews how it handled a product recall or market disruption, schools should reflect on their crisis response—what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved.
I’ve led reflection meetings with staff after everything from lockdown drills to weather closures. We document insights, update protocols, and share ideas. This process builds institutional memory and ensures the next response is stronger.
Moreover, these reflections build collective confidence. When people see that their feedback shapes future decisions, they feel empowered and better prepared the next time.
Crisis as a Catalyst for Growth
Crises are never comfortable—but they are opportunities for leadership to rise. They test our systems, stretch our communication skills, and reveal our ability to stay calm, focused, and people-first in the face of pressure. As someone who has lived in both the business and education worlds, I’ve seen that the best leaders treat crises not just as problems to manage—but as moments to lead with purpose.
In our schools, we owe it to our students and staff to lead with transparency, empathy, and preparedness. When we do that, we don’t just survive crises—we emerge stronger, more united, and better equipped for whatever comes next.